What do you think?
Rate this book
Sometime in May
In the restless heart of Lagos, two seventeen-year-olds, one local and one foreign, forge an unlikely bond while navigating grief, love, and the fragile hope of starting over. But when secrets threaten to shatter their connection, they must decide if home is a place…or a person.
Set against this chaotic hum, Sometime in May is a tender story about the weight of memory, the cost of distance, and the quiet possibility that we might find our way back. Somehow, someday. Maybe, sometime in May.
Set against this chaotic hum, Sometime in May is a tender story about the weight of memory, the cost of distance, and the quiet possibility that we might find our way back. Somehow, someday. Maybe, sometime in May.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometime in May by Muhammad-Taha Ibrahim is a beautifully written and emotional story set in the lively city of Lagos, Nigeria, where the atmosphere adds depth and richness to every page. The novel explores love, friendship, grief, and the search for belonging in a way that feels sincere and unforgettable.
The author does an excellent job of bringing both the characters and the setting to life. Lagos is not just a background in this story—it feels alive, vibrant, and deeply connected to the journey of the characters. Every chapter is engaging, heartfelt, and filled with meaning. Themes of identity, forgiveness, and hope are woven seamlessly into the plot, making the book both powerful and relatable.
Muhammad-Taha Ibrahim has shown remarkable talent and creativity through this work. Sometime in May is a memorable read that deserves wide recognition. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys deeply moving, well-crafted, and meaningful stories.
The author does an excellent job of bringing both the characters and the setting to life. Lagos is not just a background in this story—it feels alive, vibrant, and deeply connected to the journey of the characters. Every chapter is engaging, heartfelt, and filled with meaning. Themes of identity, forgiveness, and hope are woven seamlessly into the plot, making the book both powerful and relatable.
Muhammad-Taha Ibrahim has shown remarkable talent and creativity through this work. Sometime in May is a memorable read that deserves wide recognition. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys deeply moving, well-crafted, and meaningful stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the start of the book I liked Noor. She gave me the impression that she was choosing herself over the whole world and I loved it for her but her need to leave for Morocco had me suspicious. What could she possibly have done to have this urgent need to leave? Her anxiety made the entire scene feel palpable in a weird sense.
The Walkman being mentioned was a bold reminder of what era it was. In between scenes, I’d forget it was 1991 and that she was being chased by the police. Why though and for what?
The essence of the story emerges in subtle ways from chapter one up until the part where Ayo says “It was hard to live in a place where looking like a family mattered more than actually being one,” and it becomes a story of a familial love to me, or, the lack thereof.
Ali reminds me of the author like if he had a store with books and other items but his would contain books and cameras but different ages of time with their history and images they’ve taken. I also feel like Noor felt somewhat responsible for Ali, like if he didn’t win the competition with her then she failed his future because of how she saw his desperate need to save his sister and his own life.
I also felt like it was too formal to see Ayo and Ms Fisayo in the same sentence. Maybe switch between than and “Ayo and her mother/mum”—just a suggestion. I feel like Ms Fisayo didn’t fight enough (doesn’t mean it should be changed). But it’s the older times and love was easier. If you wanted something you went for it and no matter how many times, it was mostly a yes or a definite no—not “we’ll see how it goes” or friends with monetary benefits, love bombing with a side of cheating or simply a situationship with no future at all.
Also I wondered if we have child services in Nigeria who were active social workers working with the government for the sake of accuracy in the story. Because of this: “After all, we’re all well-made galaxies, but you can also find the fault in our stars.” — the whole story flashed before my eyes, like Deja vu. Only that I’ve read this before and reading it again was like seeing the little child you used to know years ago blossom into a beautiful star and as you stare as the uncle or aunty your are now, you scream “you’re a big boy/girl o”.
I felt like chapter 17 could’ve been fleshed out more. Or connected to 16 somehow. It felt abrupt as I tried to continue with 18.
My favorite things about the book is the font, learning about msemmen which is a Moroccan dish made from semolina, oil, butter, flour—is square shaped and chewy—as someone adventurous with food I was already planning to make it myself. Tangine, the stew made with dried fruits.
I almost forgot; little guava—must be the authors favorite fruit. Correct me if I’m wrong but that’s also his instagram username asides it being the name of Ayo’s bakery.
This presents itself as social commentary, more than just a piece of fiction. Not just a girls story about being on the run. I think of emotional growth and empowerment. How a person Noor’s age can travel so far on her own, Ayo managing her own business and although this isn’t necessarily the typical romance story but Ms Fisayo and Kayode’s story felt unfinished to me like he had more explaining to do but I understand that near endings are better than that full circle moment.
All in all, it was a lovely read. I enjoyed sifting through a time I was not born in. It was so easy to visualize things and connect dots. Some things felt like a puzzle building up to something. It was a harmonious design of redemption, love and friendship for a trip to Lagos sometime in May.
Note: translation could appear neater at the bottom of the page of that chapter. I felt like the mother (maybe I missed it), in typical African mother or parent fashion, would’ve asked about Noor’s background and why she was here alone even if I understood Ayo didn’t want to pry. Very few grammartical errors, barely noticeable.
The Walkman being mentioned was a bold reminder of what era it was. In between scenes, I’d forget it was 1991 and that she was being chased by the police. Why though and for what?
The essence of the story emerges in subtle ways from chapter one up until the part where Ayo says “It was hard to live in a place where looking like a family mattered more than actually being one,” and it becomes a story of a familial love to me, or, the lack thereof.
Ali reminds me of the author like if he had a store with books and other items but his would contain books and cameras but different ages of time with their history and images they’ve taken. I also feel like Noor felt somewhat responsible for Ali, like if he didn’t win the competition with her then she failed his future because of how she saw his desperate need to save his sister and his own life.
I also felt like it was too formal to see Ayo and Ms Fisayo in the same sentence. Maybe switch between than and “Ayo and her mother/mum”—just a suggestion. I feel like Ms Fisayo didn’t fight enough (doesn’t mean it should be changed). But it’s the older times and love was easier. If you wanted something you went for it and no matter how many times, it was mostly a yes or a definite no—not “we’ll see how it goes” or friends with monetary benefits, love bombing with a side of cheating or simply a situationship with no future at all.
Also I wondered if we have child services in Nigeria who were active social workers working with the government for the sake of accuracy in the story. Because of this: “After all, we’re all well-made galaxies, but you can also find the fault in our stars.” — the whole story flashed before my eyes, like Deja vu. Only that I’ve read this before and reading it again was like seeing the little child you used to know years ago blossom into a beautiful star and as you stare as the uncle or aunty your are now, you scream “you’re a big boy/girl o”.
I felt like chapter 17 could’ve been fleshed out more. Or connected to 16 somehow. It felt abrupt as I tried to continue with 18.
My favorite things about the book is the font, learning about msemmen which is a Moroccan dish made from semolina, oil, butter, flour—is square shaped and chewy—as someone adventurous with food I was already planning to make it myself. Tangine, the stew made with dried fruits.
I almost forgot; little guava—must be the authors favorite fruit. Correct me if I’m wrong but that’s also his instagram username asides it being the name of Ayo’s bakery.
This presents itself as social commentary, more than just a piece of fiction. Not just a girls story about being on the run. I think of emotional growth and empowerment. How a person Noor’s age can travel so far on her own, Ayo managing her own business and although this isn’t necessarily the typical romance story but Ms Fisayo and Kayode’s story felt unfinished to me like he had more explaining to do but I understand that near endings are better than that full circle moment.
All in all, it was a lovely read. I enjoyed sifting through a time I was not born in. It was so easy to visualize things and connect dots. Some things felt like a puzzle building up to something. It was a harmonious design of redemption, love and friendship for a trip to Lagos sometime in May.
Note: translation could appear neater at the bottom of the page of that chapter. I felt like the mother (maybe I missed it), in typical African mother or parent fashion, would’ve asked about Noor’s background and why she was here alone even if I understood Ayo didn’t want to pry. Very few grammartical errors, barely noticeable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into Sometime In May not knowing what to expect and came out with mixed but mostly warm feelings about it.
The novel follows two storylines: Ayo and Noor’s friendship and the fractured marriage of Ayo’s parents, Ms. Fisayo and Mr. Kayode. Noor is Moroccan, a stranger to Lagos carrying a secret of her own, who finds herself absorbed into a household already heavy with grief (no spoilers).
What I loved most about SIM was its prose and storytelling. The writing is descriptive without being exhausting; you can genuinely feel yourself in the streets of Lagos, taking in the sights and smells. The sensory details are excellent, the pacing is consistent, and the characters feel alive on the page. That said, I struggled to connect with the characters emotionally. Ayo in particular I found difficult, even insufferable at times. Even though the book does the work of showing you exactly where her bitterness comes from, that justification simply didn’t land for me.
The parents’ storyline also felt slightly underdeveloped; their split didn’t feel earned in my opinion, given the tension we were shown.
Overall, Sometime In May is ultimately a deeply immersive story about two young girls from different worlds, each carrying her own pain, learning to navigate friendship while still holding on to the things that hurt them. It explores themes of friendship, familial love and forgiveness, to name a few.
My disconnection from the characters kept it from being a full five stars for me, but I’d still recommend it, especially for the writing.
The novel follows two storylines: Ayo and Noor’s friendship and the fractured marriage of Ayo’s parents, Ms. Fisayo and Mr. Kayode. Noor is Moroccan, a stranger to Lagos carrying a secret of her own, who finds herself absorbed into a household already heavy with grief (no spoilers).
What I loved most about SIM was its prose and storytelling. The writing is descriptive without being exhausting; you can genuinely feel yourself in the streets of Lagos, taking in the sights and smells. The sensory details are excellent, the pacing is consistent, and the characters feel alive on the page. That said, I struggled to connect with the characters emotionally. Ayo in particular I found difficult, even insufferable at times. Even though the book does the work of showing you exactly where her bitterness comes from, that justification simply didn’t land for me.
The parents’ storyline also felt slightly underdeveloped; their split didn’t feel earned in my opinion, given the tension we were shown.
Overall, Sometime In May is ultimately a deeply immersive story about two young girls from different worlds, each carrying her own pain, learning to navigate friendship while still holding on to the things that hurt them. It explores themes of friendship, familial love and forgiveness, to name a few.
My disconnection from the characters kept it from being a full five stars for me, but I’d still recommend it, especially for the writing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There’s something special about a book that slowly reveals itself to you, not just through the plot but through your own thoughts as you read. This was one of those books.
I went in expecting a soft story about loyalty and “meant to be” relationships but instead got a much more honest and emotional take on friendship, especially the weight of our actions. We don’t get to choose how people interpret what we say or do, no matter how innocent we think our intentions are.
Ayo’s character felt very real, even in her selfishness. Her friendship with Noor starts off warm and effortless but slowly unravels in a way that feels painfully realistic.
What stood out most to me was how the book explores forgiveness and communication, how easily things fall apart when emotions go unspoken and how differently people can experience the same situation. It really made me reflect on something I’ve always believed, we need to extend more grace in friendships.
The writing is beautiful and immersive and the ending felt satisfying without forcing closure.
If I had one wish, it would be more time to fully experience their friendship before the conflict but even that adds to how the story unfolds.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, emotionally honest read that stays with you. I’d definitely recommend getting a copy.
I went in expecting a soft story about loyalty and “meant to be” relationships but instead got a much more honest and emotional take on friendship, especially the weight of our actions. We don’t get to choose how people interpret what we say or do, no matter how innocent we think our intentions are.
Ayo’s character felt very real, even in her selfishness. Her friendship with Noor starts off warm and effortless but slowly unravels in a way that feels painfully realistic.
What stood out most to me was how the book explores forgiveness and communication, how easily things fall apart when emotions go unspoken and how differently people can experience the same situation. It really made me reflect on something I’ve always believed, we need to extend more grace in friendships.
The writing is beautiful and immersive and the ending felt satisfying without forcing closure.
If I had one wish, it would be more time to fully experience their friendship before the conflict but even that adds to how the story unfolds.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, emotionally honest read that stays with you. I’d definitely recommend getting a copy.
June 4, 2026
I remember describing Sometime in May as a warm cup of coffee (with lots of cream), shortly after i read it.
It follows the story of two teenagers girls who form a quick, yet not-so-smooth friendship and how they navigate family struggles, guilt and forgiveness, admist other things. It is an easy read that has a lightheartedness to it, yet, still touches on heavy topics but with the absence of overwhelming trauma, which is a consistent theme in African literature and i was thrilled about that—Very refreshing indeed.
Perhaps the best thing about this book for me is the exceptional use of imagery. The settings and scenes were so vividly described and captured through the author’s writing so much that i felt i played the role of a spectator in the book, catapulted back into the late 90’s. Muhammad-Taha did an amazing job with making Lagos come alive in the pages with the foods, music, lifestyle and the entire setting of the book.
Looking forward to reading more books from this author ✨
It follows the story of two teenagers girls who form a quick, yet not-so-smooth friendship and how they navigate family struggles, guilt and forgiveness, admist other things. It is an easy read that has a lightheartedness to it, yet, still touches on heavy topics but with the absence of overwhelming trauma, which is a consistent theme in African literature and i was thrilled about that—Very refreshing indeed.
Perhaps the best thing about this book for me is the exceptional use of imagery. The settings and scenes were so vividly described and captured through the author’s writing so much that i felt i played the role of a spectator in the book, catapulted back into the late 90’s. Muhammad-Taha did an amazing job with making Lagos come alive in the pages with the foods, music, lifestyle and the entire setting of the book.
Looking forward to reading more books from this author ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really loved this book.
It’s something I think everyone can relate to, especially the idea of goodbye. At some point in life, we’ve all had to say it, sometimes planned, sometimes because life simply demands it.
The ending resonated deeply with me. Having lived in different cities and left people behind without knowing if we’d ever meet again, I felt that uncertainty. That quiet, unfinished kind of goodbye.
I also loved the writing style. It felt different but natural, not forced at all. The references to books and movies flowed beautifully, especially the use of Half of a Yellow Sun, which I really appreciated.
This is not a book you rush. Almost every line carries meaning, and if you’re not paying attention, you might miss it. There’s a lot of depth in it.
Even the font stood out to me, it’s different, and I liked that the author did something creative with it.
It’s something I think everyone can relate to, especially the idea of goodbye. At some point in life, we’ve all had to say it, sometimes planned, sometimes because life simply demands it.
The ending resonated deeply with me. Having lived in different cities and left people behind without knowing if we’d ever meet again, I felt that uncertainty. That quiet, unfinished kind of goodbye.
I also loved the writing style. It felt different but natural, not forced at all. The references to books and movies flowed beautifully, especially the use of Half of a Yellow Sun, which I really appreciated.
This is not a book you rush. Almost every line carries meaning, and if you’re not paying attention, you might miss it. There’s a lot of depth in it.
Even the font stood out to me, it’s different, and I liked that the author did something creative with it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometime in May is one that I find mentally challenging, right from the first chapter of the book, you'd be keen to know what happens next but the author has a way of keeping suspense in a way that would just keep you at the edge of your seat. There are a couple of scenes in the book that will make you question the characters actions and decisions and wonder how you would have acted if placed in the same situation, and honestly that was thrilling.
The characters, all unique in their way and I like that I could easily connect with some of them because that made me able to understand them better... I really really love this book and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, it's a great read.
The characters, all unique in their way and I like that I could easily connect with some of them because that made me able to understand them better... I really really love this book and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, it's a great read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed the book, I found myself wanting more of the story when I wasn't reading it and I keep thinking about it and the characters even after I finished reading it. It drew me in. I like the journey each character took, seeing them handle different situations and growing while remaining true to themselves was great. The writing style was beautiful and presented the story in a way where you draw your own conclusion from it.
I liked connecting with the characters, the exploration of forgiveness, family dynamics, resolution and ultimately the ending. When hurt happens the way it did, and those involved want to fix it there needs to be so much love, effort and grace given. I'd recommend it to anyone.
I liked connecting with the characters, the exploration of forgiveness, family dynamics, resolution and ultimately the ending. When hurt happens the way it did, and those involved want to fix it there needs to be so much love, effort and grace given. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book feels like that random summer from your childhood. The one where you made deep connections with some friends and probably never met them again after that summer.
It has this nostalgic vibe, and I liked Noor and Ayo’s friendship. They were also really mature people, and I almost couldn’t believe teenagers like that could exude such wisdom and knowledge.
Speaking of nostalgia, this book has illustrations drawn by the author as well. I loved that, and it shows how talented and intentional he was. I ended up rating it 3.5 stars overall because I couldn’t connect with Noor that well, but that’s just my bias.
Overall, I recommend this to lovers of quiet, calm stories because you can’t rush through this one 💗
It has this nostalgic vibe, and I liked Noor and Ayo’s friendship. They were also really mature people, and I almost couldn’t believe teenagers like that could exude such wisdom and knowledge.
Speaking of nostalgia, this book has illustrations drawn by the author as well. I loved that, and it shows how talented and intentional he was. I ended up rating it 3.5 stars overall because I couldn’t connect with Noor that well, but that’s just my bias.
Overall, I recommend this to lovers of quiet, calm stories because you can’t rush through this one 💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book felt like a hot cup of tea on a cold night. I honestly loved the writing in this book and the build up. Noor and Ayo were honestly perfect characters in an imperfect way. I loved their growth as characters, they were two strangers who built a beautiful bond. All the characters were honestly so good, they all had a story that was so well written and it made you feel connected to them and it made you understand them. I don’t want to say too much and start giving spoilers but honestly this was a beautiful read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometime in May feels like a cozy place. Picture sitting by the window, the sound of rain drops on the window, legs tucked under the blanket, hot chocolate by the side and to complete this setting is the book.
It is beautiful the way the author balances the chaos, mistakes and flaws of all the characters involved. In the end, we are all humans, no one is perfect and the question the book asks is "How do we grow through it?"
And I personally grew it. A short yet profound story. I enjoyed reading it and I would want to read it again.
It is beautiful the way the author balances the chaos, mistakes and flaws of all the characters involved. In the end, we are all humans, no one is perfect and the question the book asks is "How do we grow through it?"
And I personally grew it. A short yet profound story. I enjoyed reading it and I would want to read it again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometime in May, a coming of age story, following two 17 year olds, mirroring grief, discovering themselves and along the way, finding solace and forgiveness. It was a really good read, that I couldn't help but put down for a while during the process in order to savour it.
The emotional journey of and between both main characters, Noor and Ayo was both edifying and invigorating. The love they shared for each other was convoluted.
All things considered, this is a reflective, emotionally honest book that sticks with you. I would highly suggest obtaining a copy.
The emotional journey of and between both main characters, Noor and Ayo was both edifying and invigorating. The love they shared for each other was convoluted.
All things considered, this is a reflective, emotionally honest book that sticks with you. I would highly suggest obtaining a copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book shows you, in the simplest and honest way, that sometimes, people are their own worst obstacles. You can easily fall victim to your own pride and fears, just as much as fate can rule your course.
I love that even at that, the book doesn't condemn the characters, such that they're reduced to villains or bad people.
I’d say it’s the kind of book I want to curl up with in a blanket while it rains. It's poetically beautiful.
I love that even at that, the book doesn't condemn the characters, such that they're reduced to villains or bad people.
I’d say it’s the kind of book I want to curl up with in a blanket while it rains. It's poetically beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There’s delicate humanity captured in the pages of Sometime in May. The quest to escape a dark past, the heady sweetness of friendship, the sting of envy and betrayal, the reality of broken families and chosen ones, and the power of love over hate, all portrayed in this beautifully observant book. You have to read it to know.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A refreshing storyline and a solid reminder of what truly matters and a refreshing reminder of what possibilities await those who are hopefully.
I look forward to seeing this as a screenplay.
I look forward to seeing this as a screenplay.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful coming of age story that captures the essence of friendship, trust and family.
A light warm hearted read.
A light warm hearted read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wonderful and easy read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews